adjective

carnal

KAHR-nuhl

Carnal (adjective) means relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit. Example: “The novel explores carnal desire alongside deeper emotional themes.”

adjective

Relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit.

"The novel explores carnal desire alongside deeper emotional themes."

"They shared a purely carnal relationship with no emotional attachment."

Relating to the body rather than the spirit; worldly rather than spiritual.

"The sermon warned against carnal pleasures that distract from faith."

How to use carnal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with the body and its physical appetites, especially sex, as opposed to the mind or soul.

When to use it

Fairly formal or literary; in everyday speech people usually just say "physical" or "sexual."

Common pairings

carnal desire carnal knowledge carnal pleasures

Word forms

more carnal comparative, most carnal superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “carnal” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The novel explores _____ desire alongside deeper emotional themes.

Etymology

From Latin carnalis, "of the flesh," from caro/carnis ("flesh, meat") — the same root behind "carnivore" and "carnation."

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of carnal?

"carnal" (adjective) means relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit.

What are the different meanings of carnal?

"carnal" has 2 main meanings: 1. Relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit; 2. Relating to the body rather than the spirit; worldly rather than spiritual.

How do you use carnal in a sentence?

Example: "The novel explores carnal desire alongside deeper emotional themes."